Jul 15, 2013

For the Love of Food and Art, the 'eat read love' pop up Dinner Series Comes to Life in Style at Balmain Wharf Apartments!

What an exciting week this has been for me and eat read love. On a sparkling Sydney Wednesday night the #eatreadlovepopup dinner series officially set sail with some wonderful friends at the BALMAIN WHARF APARTMENTS. This is something I have wanted to do for a long time, and it was so nice to finally kick it off in style in such a gorgeous harbourside location. Bringing my two great loves of food and art together, I was thrilled to welcome my friend LISA MADIGAN as our special guest to launch her amazing NYC inspired oil on canvas collection 'Kaleidescope'.

"Kaleidoscope. Like reflections on a wet road after a downpour, a shaft of light through a spring storm at dusk, a glint in your lovers eye or the colour of your heart, the things that we embrace whilst we're there but soon slip through our fingers to form another vision, in another moment. Through these multiple flashes of light & sensory recollections Kaleidoscope has filtered back to me. Recalling sunsets & the way light moves through the city, the punch of strong graffiti, tall buildings & in their shadows the secret entrances into luxurious worlds & caves of curiosities, the elements that juxtapose grit & the sublime right through to the elation of standing alongside those water lilies. Kaleidoscope is a collection of such things, elusive & punchy, delicate & powerful, frivolous & meaningful, colourful & dark, beautiful. LM

Lisa and I spent the day styling with some amazing pieces from IITTALA and stunning floral arrangements from THE SISTERS, creating our very own pop up gallery amongst the historic sandstone walls of the Shipwright Suite. As the sun started to set and the soft candlelight filled the room, it was one of the most magical evenings I can remember. Surrounded by so many inspiring and creative women, all I could do was sit back and soak it all up, a time for me to really appreciate everything and this wonderful journey that I am on. While MARIO'S KITCHEN cooked up a storm in the kitchen, Lisa shared stories of of her recent life affirming trip to New York City, the inspiration behind the enchanting and transient oil paintings that surrounded us during dinner. With the twinkling lights of the harbour backdrop, the smell of fresh oil paint, still wet, blended with the smells of rosemary, garlic, roasted tomatoes, sweet pink Peonies and David Austin's from the table, it was an absolute treat for the senses. At one point while we were making the official presentations, fireworks starting going off behind us! Mario's special winter menu was amazing (loved the stuffed zucchini flowers) and paired perfectly with Mudgee wines from GILBERT by SIMON GILBERT (The Pinot Grigio and Pinot Noir were standouts!) The girls loved their little BINDLE surprise at the end of the evening, and a huge thank you to Catherine from Bindle for creating this lovely bespoke bundles of joy for my guests. And finally, the lovely CATHERINE SAXELBY, leading nutritionist and author of Ancient Grains shared some inspiring recipes and tips from her new nutrition cookbook while we devoured Mario's delicious Rhubarb, Pomegranate and Vanilla Cobblers. Number 10 Darling Street Balmain has been a gathering spot since the 1840's and the Shipwright Suite was the perfect setting for our dinner. If only these sandstone walls could talk they would share many a secret no doubt. My beautiful Pa Harry was a Balmain boy in the early 1900's and I have since found out that he was a regular at the old pub that is now the Balmain Wharf Apartments. Although he has not been with us for many years, I am not kidding when I tell you that this place has a special vibe, there is a very positive sense that Pa is there watching over me. A sense of serenity and calm that I feel every time I visit Balmain.

SPECIAL THANK YOU'S

LISA MADIGAN - for her amazing artworks and beautiful styling and design

It was a pleasure sharing the night with you - Kate, Sally, Ains, Cath, Karen, Nadean, Jaclyn, Luisa and Lisa! Cant wait to do it all again....stay tuned....! To get your hands on one of Lisa's amazing pieces in the new collection 'Kaleidescope'visit the online store now http://www.lisamadigan.com.au